18th Air Force Commander C-130J Delivery Continues U.S. Air Force Build-Up Of Super Hercules Fleet

MARIETTA, Ga.- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] yesterday delivered the 14th of 16 C 130J Super Hercules to Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The aircraft will be assigned to the 41st Airlift Squadron, the first active-duty combat C-130J squadron in the U.S. Air Force. This latest C-130J Super Hercules was accepted by Major General Winfield W. Scott III, Commander 18th Air Force, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

“After we deliver this aircraft to Little Rock, this C-130J could be flying a combat mission within the week, if so tasked. That’s a testament to the employees who build this aircraft and the quality of the aircraft,” Scott said. “The C-130J is a great aircraft, the capabilities of which we are just beginning to touch on. It’s not only the capability that the J brings, but it’s also its increased sustainability. With the J, the maintenance crews have to work less; we can turn it around quicker and fly it harder.”

C-130Js from the 41st Airlift Squadron “Black Cats” are engaged in high-tempo operations in multiple combat theaters. In the last two years, the 41st has already carried 56,000 passengers, 3,500 tons of cargo and flown 2,600 combat sorties over 4,000 flight hours. Since the Air Force started operating the C-130J in 2000, it has flown 40,000 sorties and about 87,000 flying hours.

The C-130J is a proven airlifter that has been selected by 11 countries. As of March 2009 263 C 130Js have been ordered and 174 have been delivered. The C-130J is a flexible, multimission aircraft that is available in varied configurations to meet a wide-range of operational needs.